Lebanon, Israel agree to talks to end border spat

BEIRUT/ TEL AVIV Lebanon and Israel have agreed to a framework for U. S.- mediated talks aimed at ending a long- running dispute along the border between the two nations.

Still in a formal state of war, Lebanon and Israel have contested their land and maritime borders for decades, namely over an area in the sea on the edge of three Lebanese offshore energy blocks. Israel said the talks would cover the sea border.

Washington has mediated between the two sides.

“This is a framework agreement, not a final one,” Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, shown, told reporters, less than a month after the United States imposed sanctions on his top aide for corruption and financially enabling Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group which Washington deems a terrorist organization.

Hezbollah and Israel, sworn enemies, last fought a war in 2006.

Talks will begin in the week of Oct. 12.